Literary prizes are like presidential elections: the one I want to win never does. Still mourning for Haruki Murakami who didn’t receive the Nobel prizeagain.

2. If you could write any sort of book, what would you write?

I wish I could be funny. I wish I could be wildly witty and acerbic and astute. I’d put what I’ve learned, all the experiences in my life that have molded me into who I am, and write a novel which would make people laugh while touching a spot in their heart so that they could nod their heads and say, “Yes. That’s a good way of looking at it. There’s some Truth.”

3. Describe your ideal home library/study.

On an island? In the Northwoods? Anywhere away from people, the exception of family, sounds idyllic right now. (Can you tell that work is a little over the top for me right now?) As to the physical environment, I think I need a cozy color…a warm, pumpkin-y kind of glow with a white fireplace. And, if you want to know the height of my greed I would place, next to my antique library table, a chair and ottoman from MacKenzie Childs.

4. Name two new authors whose work you think will last the test of time, and explain your choices.

New authors that would stand the test of time? Oh, dear. Perhaps Barbara Kingsolver. Perhaps Margaret Atwood. They both write of people, and place, in a way which I find deeply relevant. Especially Atwood’s earlier works which are my favorite: The Robber Bride, Surfacing, and Cat’s Eye to be specific. Of course, I’d also include Haruki Murakami because his imagination, his perceptions, go beyond the finite qualities of time.

5. Which books do you hope to get for Christmas?

The Holman Christian Standard Bible. Because apparently, the King James, New International Version, Living Translation, and Revised Standard Version, all of which I already own, aren’t enough. I’m embarrassed to say, that in terms of fiction I already have more than I can ever hope to read in 2013. Thank you, publishers, who’ve abundantly added to my collections.

6. What’s the last book you did not finish and why?

Invisible Murderby Lene Kaaberbol and Agnete Friis. I have neither the time, nor the energy, for a book which does not thrill me. The two requisites for a book which I will complete are that it has a connection to my life which is meaningful and significant, or it has a story which is engaging. If either point fails, I’m done.

7. Would you accept 20 books that were absolutely perfect for you and dependably brilliant reads, if they were also the last 20 books you could ever acquire?

Victoria, Victoria, what a diabolical question. Initially, when I read what you asked, I thought, “Yes.” And then I think, “To never be exposed to a new thought, a new idea, a new novel again?” I could not do it. Although twenty perfect for me and dependably brilliant novels? That would be a fun list to create in some future post!

In keeping with the nature of this meme, I’m sure I ought to tag seven more people. And since I’ve had the pleasure of reading your astute responses, the seven new people which I will tag are Gary, Arti, tuesday, Tanabata, JoV, Claire, and Nadia. (As I am so brain-dead this week, please feel free to use Victoria’s questions or even change them to include something else you’d like to mention.)

Just adored your answers! I also think that Margaret Atwood and Haruki Murakami will last the test of time – Barbara Kingsolver I really must read, even more so now! I also loved the description of the book you would write – you describe my very favouritest form of writing and so few people can manage it. Have you read Barbara Pym? She's one of my idols in this respect, and the religious element to her work may well interest you. Excellent Women and/or A Glass of Blessings are both wonderful novels. And I know – question 7 is a doozy! But I know I'd answer the same as you.

Q7. That absolutely perfect & dependably brilliant book would could not exist. Anything perfect is closed, finished, sterile you could not converse with it & dependable has me thinking safe sedate & ultimately lacking spark. Thanks for including me in this list & may I surmise that as you added no questions of your own to pass on I don't need to take this forward?

Ooh thanks for tagging, I haven't done this in a while. Maybe because I haven't done much blogging in a while heheh. I wish you get your HCSB Christmas wish. I just gave an “adult” one to my 10-year-old for his birthday last week. It's the translation that even my children can understand when we're studying together and I'm reading to them out loud. The most accessible translation of all, and highly reliable, too. 🙂

LOL! I didn't know I was tagged for this until now. WIll definitely take a look at these questions and join in the fun. Have enjoyed your answers… will try to think of some myself now. Not an easy task though. But hey, thanks. 😉